"A Far Country"

A Far Country" is a novel by Daniel Mason, the author of "The Piano Tuner.  "A Far Country" is the story of a 14 year old girl, Isabel, and her search for her older brother, Isaias.  Isabel and Isaias grew up in sugar cane country -- a hard life for families living there -- and sometimes when the droughts came, families were forced to move away but most returned when the rains came.  When Isaias worked in the cane fields, Isabel could always find him through their unique connection.  It was said she had the gift and the curse of "seeing farther."

Isaias dreams of going to the city to pursue a music career but his parents expect him to stay home so he takes off without their knowledge.  As he begins to find success in the city, he sends money home but eventually there is no word from him.

Isabel's parents decide to send Isabel to the city to live with her cousin, Manuela, to care for Manuela's baby while she works.  Perhaps Isabel can also find Isaias.  Although she looks and looks and thinks she feels him near, she is not able to find him for a very long time and , when she does, she uncovers his secret.

Mason is a master story teller who weaves tales with descriptions that took me away and into the story where I found myself caring deeply about what happened to Isabel, Isaias and their family.  pazt